Question
Assignment 2: Evaluating Quantitative Design
A researcher must be knowledgeable of the different quantitative research designs and be able to effectively apply the best design as dictated by the research question. For this assignment, you will create a 3- to 4-page document following the directions below.
Part I
Compare Methods
Compare and contrast two research methods. Give an example of a situation (related to forensic counseling) in which each of the two chosen methods can be applied.
Experimental
Quasi-experimental
Correlational
Survey
Developmental
Part II
Answer Questions
In reference to one of the two example research scenarios that you discussed above in Part I, further explore by answering the following questions (apply these questions to your own research project):
Determine a suitable research goal.
Discuss what type of sampling could be used for this study.
Identify which types of research designs above (from Part I) would be most appropriate to use.
State your hypothesis of the expected results for this proposed study.
Your final product will be in a Microsoft Word document and be approximately 3–4 pages in length and utilize 2–3 scholarly sources in your research. Your paper should be written in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Assignment 2 Grading Criteria
Maximum Points
Compare and contrast two research methods. Give an example of a situation (related to forensic psychology) in which each of the two chosen methods can be applied.
Determine a suitable research goal.
Discuss what type of sampling could be used for this study.
Identify which types of research designs above (from Part I) would be most appropriate to use.
State hypothesis for the outcome of proposed study.
Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Sample paper
Evaluating Quantitative Design
The two research methods chosen are experimental and survey method. Experimental research is a scientific and systematic method of research whereby the investigator manipulates one or more of the research variables, while assessing the changes to other variables (Creswell, 2008). The experimental method is especially effective in testing hypotheses relating to cause-and-effect relationships. On the other hand, survey research is a method of inquiry where the researcher makes queries from respondents. In survey research, data is collected from the responses given by individuals. In both methods, recruiting participants may involve random selection or the investigator choosing participants (Creswell, 2008). Data collection in surveys may utilize various tools such as case studies, observation, interviews, or questionnaires. On the other hand, data collection in experimental research occurs by taking readings obtained from the experiment. Surveys utilized large samples while experiments utilize relatively smaller samples.
An example in which both experimental approach and survey approaches can be applied is in establishing the efficacy of cognitive behavioral group therapy in the treatment of severe mental disorders among inmates. While utilizing an experimental approach, the researcher recruits a group of participants using an identified exclusion criteria. For instance, the participants should be above a particular age limit and suffering from a severe mental disorder. The researcher may establish a number of hypotheses in the study. For instance, the main hypothesis (H0) could state that cognitive behavioral group therapy significantly helps in treatment of severe mental health disorders. In applying a survey approach, the researcher may interview behavioral therapists about the outcomes of the various methods, or observe the outcomes for a period of time. The observations would provide critical data about the effectiveness of the cognitive behavioral group therapy. In addition, the researcher can be able to gain insights into other issues affecting treatment outcomes.
Research goal
The major goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral group therapy approaches in reducing symptoms of severe mental disorders among inmates. Cognitive behavioral therapy is recognized as an effective approach in treatment of mental disorders. In particular, group therapy is more effective compared to personalized cognitive therapy treatments.
Type of sampling
There are different techniques of sampling that can be applied to this research. There are two main approaches to sampling, which include probability sampling and non-probability sampling. The various probability-sampling techniques include random sampling, cluster random sampling, stratified sampling, multi-stage random sampling, and systematic sampling (Houser, 1998). Likewise, there are various types of non-probability sampling techniques. These include expert sampling, accidental sampling, modal instance sampling, snowball sampling, diversity sampling, purposive sampling, and proportional quota sampling (Houser, 1998). The sampling techniques applicable to the case study are in the category of probability-sampling techniques, specifically, random sampling.
In random sampling, every member bears an equal chance of participating in the experiment. In simple random sampling, every member in a population has an equal chance of a selection. In addition, each selection made is independent of any other subsequent selections made (Houser, 1998). It is possible to obtain a random sample using a variety of ways. For instance, a random numbers table that is computer generated can enable the researcher to draw random samples of the population. Alternatively, the researcher can assign each individual special numbers, which are then drawn randomly. Each number selected represents the sample to be used in the study. Another approach is the systematic random sampling. This approach is commonly used in situations where there are a finite number of subjects from which to choose from. In this method, the researcher assigns all individuals in the population a number and then chooses the nth number from the population (Houser, 1998). For instance, the researcher may choose every 10th person from a population of 1000 individuals.
Research Design
The most appropriate research design in this study is an experimental study. An experimental research design enables the researcher to control the extraneous variables that may alter the experiment results in one way or another (Creswell, 2014). This gives the researcher the ability to predict the outcomes of the experiment. Experimental research applies where a time priority exists in the causal relationship between two items. For instance, a particular effect supersedes a cause. Another important faction to consider is consistency with regard to the causal relationship. For example, a particular cause should be attributed to a similar effect, with a strong correlation magnitude. In the research study, the cause is the cognitive behavioral group therapy, while the effect is the treatment outcomes of the therapeutic approach. In experimental studies, researcher identifies a control group as well as the experimental group (Creswell, 2014). The researcher administers the independent variable to the experimental group, while the control group remains free of any influence. The researcher examines the experimental group and the control group on the same line of dependent variable.
A correlational research design would also be appropriate. A correlational research design is a quantitative research method in which the researcher aims at establishing the nature of the relationship among various variables in the study (Creswell, 2014). The major aim of the researcher in this case is to establish whether there is a relationship and the nature of the relationship. For instance, the variables may show positive correlation while others may show negative correlation. Any two variables may have a correlation, which the researcher investigates through quantitative analysis. A correlational study is conducted when the researcher has reason to believe that there exists a particular relationship among variables. The hypothesis in this case describes the nature of the relationship basing on the researcher’s opinion as to the nature of the relationship. The researcher attempts to prove the hypothesis through statistical analysis.
This study hypothesizes that cognitive behavioral group therapy significantly helps in treatment of severe mental health disorders among inmate populations.
References
Creswell, J. (2008). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. New Jersey: Pearson: Merrill Prentice Hall
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications.
Houser, R. (1998). Counseling and educational research: Evaluation and application. Thousand Oaks, Calif. [u.a.: Sage Publications.
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